A Festive Song with an Unclear Message: Uncovering the Meaning of Maoz Tzur
Yaakov Jaffe delves into two possible themes of the song Maoz Tzur.
From Burning Candles to ‘Burning’ People
In honor of Hanukkah, Admiel Kosman considers literary and aggadic traditions that depict holy people as burning flames or sources of light. He proposes that these traditions be read in light of Martin Buber’s insight regarding the dialogical personality.
Hanukkah or Hanoch-ah: Illuminating the Origins and Trajectory of an Apocalyptic Holiday
In his latest for the Lehrhaus, Aton Holzer sheds light on the hidden roots of Hanukkah–exploring the political and theological meaning of the holiday from the Second Temple period through the Talmud.
Darkness We Have Come to Dispel: Between The Light of Hanukkah and the Black...
Mois Navon explores what makes Hanukkah so special.
“In Every Generation They Rise Up Against Us to Destroy Us”: How We Keep...
Malka Simkovich on the Hasmonean victories and the truth behind the Hanukkah miracle.
Playing Dreidel with Kafka and Rabbi Nahman
Joey Rosenfeld takes Kafka and Rav Nahman for a spin, on their timely drey-ing of the tops!
Cultural Migrations of a Hanukkah Pilgrimage
Elli Fischer explores the ideological components of developments in Hanukkah traditions.
With Liberty and Presents for All
Through an analysis of Hanukkah ads, Yael Buechler explains how Yiddish newspapers used the Old Country language to acculturate Jews to the New Country.
Rejoicing at the Downfall of Enemies: From Ancient Egypt to Modern Israel
The propriety of celebrating the downfall of enemies presents a complex web of questions and seemingly contradictory Jewish texts. Michael Kurin makes sense of this subject and proposes a framework for applying it to matters of Israeli public policy.
On Candlelight
Media culture scholar, Matt Sienkiewicz, reflects on the Maccabeats phenomenon and the group's first viral smash.
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